176 RECOLLECTIONS my name to bo put to that recommendation, by that very act I became a traitor and would place the torch in the hands of the incendiary. 1 say this is not fair argument. And 1 again repeat that if the Member from Missouri (Air. Chirk) desires to know what my sentiments are in regard to tho extracts read at the clerk's table-, the only portion of the Helper book I have soon or rend, 1 will give lliom if ho will remove a menace from mo. I novor did do anything undor menace. ] never will. It is not in my blood and these gentlemen cannot put it there." Mr. Chirk rose t.o speak, but I continued ; "Tho gentleman will excuse mo, I have, so far ns I am concerned in this contest, beiiu quiot and patient. I desire to soo nn organization of tho House opposed to the- administration. 1 think it is our highest duty to investigate, to examine and analyze the modo in winch the executive powers of this government have been administered for a few years past. That Is my desire. Yes sir, T said hero, in (ho first remark 1 made, that I did not bolievo the slavery question would uoino up at all during this session. L mine hero with Hie expectation that we would have a business session, Hint wn would examine into tho business affairs of this government, and llitit wo would analyze the causes of the increased expenditures of the government and the proper measures of redress and retrenclniUMit. I did not lioliuvo Unit Urn shivery question would come up, uud but for tho unfortunate affair of Brown at Harper's Kerry, I did not believe tlioro would bo any feeling on the subject. Northern JVfombers came here with kindly ieolings, no man 'Approving tho foray of John Brown and twovy mini willing to say so ; every man willing to admit it as an not of lawless violence. Wo came hero hoping that, at tins time of peace and quiet, wo might examine, inquire into, and pass upon, practical measures of legislation tending to harmoni'/o tho conflicting elements of the government and strengthen the bonds of Union. Tho interests of a great and growing people present practical questions enough to tax tho ability and patriotism of us all. "Such was our duly ; but the momont wo arrived hero — before, sir, wo had ovon a formal vote, — this question of slavery was raised by tho introduction of the resolution of tho gentleman from Missouri. It has had the effoot of exciting the public mind with an irritating controversy. It has impaired tho public credit and retarded the public business. Tho debate founded upon it lias been unjust, offensive, wrong, not only to tho Republicans here, not only to those with whom I act, but to all our common constituents, north and south. The gentlemen who have advocated that resolution have stirred up bad blood, and all because certain gentlemen have recommended that a compilation bo mado of a book. Even yet we may retrieve tho loss of valuable time. Wo could now go to work, organize Una House and administer the powers of this House with fairness and impartiality. "In conclusion, lot me say that by no act or effort have I sought thohis House, came fo me and asked mo to sign a paper recommending the publication of i\ political tract; that, wlion I authorizedi'iilli'iniili In uiiulliiT. I Hi-\i'f mMir-i'-il (-. .tn\ -\i,-inli.-r Ullt'll lilll^uil^i' UH i !i»Vi> lii'iml In-tluy. I in<\i*r ili"